Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
For Microsoft 365 and most recent Office purchases, the full product key usually is not shown.
What to do on a new laptop:
- Open Word, Excel, or another Office app.
- Go to File > Account.
- Check the Belongs to line. That Microsoft account is what is used to reinstall and activate Office.
- Sign in to the Microsoft account, Services & subscriptions page with that same account to install or reactivate Office.
Important details:
- If Microsoft 365 is prompting for a product key, use the Microsoft account that was used to buy Microsoft 365 instead of entering a key.
- If the new laptop only shows a Let’s get started screen with options to try, buy, or activate Microsoft 365, that usually means a 1-month Microsoft 365 Family trial is installed, not a purchased license.
- If Office was included with the new PC and paid for, a digital product key is transmitted to the PC when Windows is activated, so there may be no printed key.
- If Office was bought from the Microsoft Store and has not been installed yet, the product key can be viewed in Microsoft Store Order History by selecting Install Office.
- If the product key was lost or damaged but proof of purchase is available, Microsoft support may be able to replace the key or provide other options.